Pull up a chair! Have a sit-down an' shoot the breeze with us.
Later on, maybe we'll go down to the drugstore to get a bottle of pop . .
. maybe see what's showin' at the Grand . . . . What
you gonna do tonight, Barn?

February 18, 2019 - Msg 111690:
How-do, porch! I'll see if I can peck out a little note here on this little toy keyboard. I finally went back and read the last few days that I've missed. Sounds like everyone is doing okay, with a few bumps in the road for some. Please know that I am praying for those who need it.

Boo, I hope the job situation improves, and that Erin's issues reach resolution. Poor kid, she does have a time of it. I do think that awful tragedy with her friend next door has left its mark on her. That's enough to shiver anybody's timbers.

Asa, you absolutely do need to take a break now and then and get out of the house. Is there an on-site cafeteria at your old work place? Set up a time to meet a couple of former co-workers there for lunch. You'll enjoy the shop talk, and seeing other old friends, and then you will enjoy being able to walk away and go home, without having to get involved in any of the current woes.

I'm still working on getting this computer set up and configured like I want it, and just getting used to it. There have been happy discoveries, though. My little "Home Suites" program is a $25 program that I downloaded years ago, and it's my phone directory. I have over 150 phone numbers in it, and rely on it several times a day. Bruce was able to load the new version in the new computer and then transfer the data from my old version into it. Well, the new version has capability that the old version didn't, including a personal calendar, a place to store passwords, store auto repair and maintenance records, and several other things I haven't explored yet. If you don't have a program for all those little details, I'd strongly recommend Home Suites.

Well, guess I'd better go feed my tiny friend. I haven't eaten yet either, but I'm not hungry. I'm sure she is, though. She has nudged my ankles a few times, just to remind me she's here. That involved abandoning her guard position beneath the mail slot, so I know she's serious. Later...--RomeenaFebruary 18, 2019 - Msg 111691:
Oh, you're welcome. Seemed like the least I could do, to tidy up a bit, after being absent so much. --RomeenaFebruary 18, 2019 - Msg 111692:
Thanks everyone, and yes, I probably spread myself a little thin. I didn't, however, count on having to work 12 hours on Saturday and 11 hours on Sunday. It just got crazy and I couldn't leave. The real kicker is that we didn't get paid last Friday. We got a memo saying that the facility didn't have the money to pay the employees but would at the beginning of the week. I don't know. I love it there but don't want to keep working without pay.

The work at the school was pretty easy and I go back tomorrow. I had a day off today, if you can call it that. Been doing some laundry and cleaning out the fridge.

We had an emotional incident here today with Erin and poor Bruce got so distraught he started having chest pain. I had to give him a nitro tablet. He gets so worked up sometimes. I am making him an appointment with his cardiologist tomorrow. I fear it is time to go back for a cath and put a stent in that other artery that had some blockage.

Well, better get back to the chores. You know, sometimes going to work is kind of an escape from real life at home. Maybe you miss that a little, Asa.

BooFebruary 18, 2019 - Msg 111693:
Oh my Boo, you poor thing. Yes, get Bruce in to the Doctor for sure. I am glad that school job came in for you Boo, because it sounds like the other place is about to close up. I sure hope Erin is ok. And yes, I mentioned in an earlier post that going to work was a bit of a break from home. Romeena has a good idea, about meeting some of them for lunch or something. I might do that.

Thanks for sweeping up Romeena. Didn't mean to have you do that with your diminished lungs and all. :) Glad you are getting the new computer dialed in.

Those nice warm temps of last week are a memory. We got up to 39 today. Oh well, we are on the tail end of it, and it ain't nearly as cold from my Wheeler. lol

AsaFebruary 18, 2019 - Msg 111694:
Romeena, nice sweep! It is good to see you.
Boo, prayers for you and the family.
Asa, I kind of know how you feel. The only time I leave our house is to go to the grocery store or the pharmacy. And I try not to leave the house to long because I worry about Mom so much. I love her dearly and will do anything for her.
I can`t wait tell the spring weather. We are suppose to have another rain storm on Wednesday.
Take care all.
FrankieFebruary 19, 2019 - Msg 111695:
Frankie, you are living the 4th commandment in an amazing way! God bless you and all who are so dedicated. :) And...Spring training games will start next weekend! woohoo
RO--glad you could post again despite the small keyboard. One time I bought one of those 'split' keyboards, but it drove me crazy! ha
Regarding phone numbers, I am still old school with a small 'address book' that has the slider on the side to find the right letter! Yikes. remember those? But i will look into that new fangled program.
BOO--wow, they can't pay you? I sure wish someone would just make a firm decision to close the place, get the kids transfered to decent facilities and let the employees move on. Sorry, it just kinds frosts me.
Tonite's ep was about Ernest T trying to impress Hogette. So many great lines like "I passed it, I didnt HEAVE it." or the one about 'ameminees.'
And of course, Ramona, aka ROMEENA, caught Ernest T's fancy! ha
Sweet dreams to all,
MDC

February 19, 2019 - Msg 111696:
Oh, ASA, I think GRIT is over-the-air only, but not positive.February 19, 2019 - Msg 111697:
I just looked on the GRIT website, and in SLC it is on antenna channel 30.3 or Dish 217.February 19, 2019 - Msg 111698:
Good morning all.
Well I'll be flat dogged MDC. I went to the program directory on my DISH and punched in 217, and lo and behold, there it is. GRIT tv. Thanks. I'll have to look at their schedule. I just recently severely edited my DISH account because the monthly bill was just getting out of hand. So I'm glad that is still available. I have been DVRing a lot of Alfred Hitchc0ck episodes on METV. I see a lot of TAGS folks on those as well as a lot of other actors/actresses who were just getting their start. I have see Hilda Mae in several episodes. Miss Grayson in a couple. And that really heavy set feller who was visiting the "bookie barber", the one who Barney said he would have hated to see him before he went in for treatment. He was a cab driver in an episode yesterday.

Franke, I agree completely with MDC's salutations for looking after your Mom the way you do. So often that just isn't the case. A big thumbs up to you.

I hope I don't give folks the wrong impression when I mention I need a break from my care giver role. I love my Wife, and it is an honor to be able to care for her. But it does wear you down at times, and a little break now and then is nice. She feels like she is a big burden to me, and that isn't the case at all. In some ways her illness has brought us closer together.

I agree MDC, That episode with Ernest T. has some great lines in it. The ammenanies one stands out for me. Barney, showing how to enter a room is hilarious.

Well Stacey and Matt and their family are flying back home today from Phoenix. They have been visiting Matts folks on their Ranch in New Mexico. And then Sarah is flying out to Florida on Friday to visit some of her friends. Just seems like those kids are always going to or coming from somewhere. I declare, they didn't get that from me. I am a homebody through and through. lol

I hope everyone has a great day.

Asa

February 19, 2019 - Msg 111699:
MDC...For a minute I mistook your Woohoo for “Wahoo” ya know we ain’t allowed to say “Wahoo” in Cleveland anymore since the use of “Chief Wahoo” is banned now...So I guess we ain’t allowed to call the players “Tribal Guys” neither!...So What’s next?...I think they’ll be called Lake Erie “Walleyes” after the fish!...But that may hurt the feelings of other creatures tho...So...They Just Have the block “C” on their hats witch stands for.....CONFUSED!...👍🏻🙌🏻

G-FFebruary 19, 2019 - Msg 111700:
Good afternoon, porch. Just got home from a birthday breakfast at a local cafe, for Eloise, and attended by ten women from my SS class. Lots of laughs and good conversation. From there I went to my primary physician for my annual well-woman checkup, as required by Medicare. Numerous issues, but nothing I can do about most of it, and I can still function, so - it is what it is.

Asa, anyone who has been a caregiver fully understands how you feel. Just because you have accepted that role, fulfill it beautifully, and cherish your time together - doesn't mean that you don't need, want and appreciate a break now and then. You are still you, and want to do "Asa" things now and then. Here's a silly illustration: Toye Starr loves for me to scratch her tiny pink belly, and will lie in my lap enjoying the scratch-and-rub routine for quite a while, but after a little time, she will get up, ask for help to the floor, and walk away to spend the next hour or so doing "Toye Starr" things. I'm glad she does, because as much joy as it gives me to be the scratcher for my little scratchee, I do have other things I like to do, and things that must be done. You don't have to stop being you, just because you wear the title of "Caregiver."

I declare, I am so bloomin' sick of hearing about the PC stuff that is poisoning this nation. Some things absolutely had to go, such as the "n" word. It was definitely used as a slur, a derogatory term, and was greatly disrespectful. I grew up hearing it, but it wasn't used in our home, and I'm glad to see it go. However, this idiocy about the Cleveland Indians, Wahoo, etc., is just silly.
We have taken a concept - respect - and stretched it completely out of proportion, taken it to a ridiculous extreme, until it has become a joke, and not a funny one. When people start talking about "the PC Police", you know we've gone too far.

Boo, girl, if it weren't for bad luck, you'd have no luck at all. I will be so happy when you get out of that miserable place, those poor kids get into a better environment, and you get into a stable job, in a comfortable place, and you can count on a paycheck when it's due. You have a lot more patience and forbearance than I do.

Well, guess I'll go get some laundry done. I am definitely breathing better in the past few days, and am more active. If we can resolve just a couple more issues, I'll be feeling pretty good! Blessings, porch! --RomeenaFebruary 19, 2019 - Msg 111701:HELLO PORCHSTERS! Well, it looks like "weather" will again be hitting much of the country in one way or another. Here in AZ it has been snowing quite a bit up north, and will get more on Thursday. I could go see all the snow I would like just 80 miles up I-17, but I am holding off only because I am scheduled to have my varicose veins 'done' on Friday, and dont want to chance anything. Prayers would be appreciated BTW. thanks.
ASA--I hope you like westerns, as 98% of GRIT is that, including the Laramie series with Robert Fuller in the AM. Also lots of the Duke, Glen Ford, George Raft, etc (Really!)
I used to like to travel more than I do these days. When we do, like to Disneyland last year, I only like to be away for about 4 days. It just kind of changed over the years.
GF--the little indian face will always be my thoughts of your 'tribe.'
As a kid i just thought it was cute, and not meanspirited at all.
I wonder if the Braves 'chop' will also go?
RO--glad you had a good time with your gal friends. I am about due for my wellness exam soon,
and also answer their silly questions, but that's life. Any word on your hearing issue?
Hey to BOO, POSSUM, FRankie, PH, MBM, SPOTTY Big Maude, and all!
I got a letter from PappaBear today and he says HI to all.
Pretty cold in Danville, IL these days too. He says it's "Invigorating!" ha That's our PB! :)
Keep warm,
MDC

February 19, 2019 - Msg 111702:
MDC & Asa Thank you for the kind words. I try to do my best.
Asa that is so wonderful how you are there for your wife. God Bless you.
MDC, are you going to any of the spring training games?
They have a lot of good western movies on the GRIT station. And old good western tv shows on there also. I always turn that station on when I cant find any thing else to watch.
Romenna, it is good to hear your breathing better. I just finished some laundry also.
Frankie

Woke up to 6 inches of "chance of flurries overnight" this morning and still snowing. Looks like the snow blower will get some work today.

MDC, Prayers for your procedure on Friday for sure my friend. I had a co-worker who had that done a few years ago and it seemed to go very smooth for him. So we will pray the same for you buddy. I am sure the PC Police would love to eliminate the chop, but that may be easier said than done. I think the majority of folks have had enough of this nonsense. And when you start telling them that they can no longer do something because it is not PC, well we all know what will happen there.

Thanks for the kind words Frankie and Ro. I try not to feel guilty about the need to take a break on occasion.

Boo, I pray that Bruce and Erin are doing ok. You sure have your hands full. You be sure to take care of yourself Boo.

Yesterday I saw Emmett Clark and Columbo together in an Alfred Hitchc0ck show. In the end, Emmett shot and killed Columbo. It was tragic. I think that must have been when he high tailed it to Mayberry and changed his ways. In fact he may have been in the witness protection program because Columbo was tied in with organized crime. But so was Emmett. Oh what a tangled web we weave...

Romeena, I am so happy to read you are improving with your breathing. You are a strong willed Lass, and I think that alone will see you through a lot of things. Prayers for your continued improvements.

Stacey and Matt and all the kids got back safe and sound yesterday (thank you Lord). So grateful for that.

Well I think I will gaze out the window for a spell and consider in what manner I should clear the snow upon my driveway. One should not just forge ahead into these jobs, but rather one should ponder, consider, and contemplate how one should approach the task. Much deep thought and consideration must enter into the equation. Can I get an Amen GF? :)

AsaFebruary 20, 2019 - Msg 111704:
HaHa Asa....Exactly what I’m contemplating too!..Do Joe & I just blow it, or do I make a snow sculpture? https://youtu.be/NVRLykhBif4 Although back in the day we made the best snow sculptures in the Neighborhood..
But these days....I just BLOW IT AWAY!...But after more thought like you said Buddy....

Well GF, After much deep thought and contemplation yesterday, I finally fired my snow blower up and did the deed. I should have contemplated longer because by noon time the sun came out and mother nature would have taken care of it. In fact that would have been the game plan for me, but Wednesday is the day that Debbies home health care nurse comes to change out her access port. And I didn't want her to have to risk slipping and hurting herself. That's ok. Both me and the snow blower needed the exercise.

Frankie, glad you got to ride your bike yesterday. Your weather must have been very nice. I can't wait for it to warm up here. I am really getting excited about getting out in my shop and doing some stuff. I could do it now, but it isn't heated, and it is just to blamed cold for me.

MDC, Is your procedure tomorrow just an outpatient thing? I pray all goes well my friend.

Guess I'll go see what I can rustle up for breakfast. I usually don't eat much for breakfast. Maybe I'll just fry a couple of eggs, some bacon, limp mind you, a mess of hash browns, a side of pancakes, and some toast. I like a light breakfast so that later I can really pack it away at dinner time. :)

MDC...So we will want you reports on Spring Training at Goodyear Buddy, it will be a ray of hope for a early Spring seeing the boys preparing for the season...Eat one of those stadium dogs for me, but be sure to put the “Bertmans Ball Park Mustard” on it!...👍

Frankie...Before you went on your bike ride, did you polish up the “Chromium” first?...Lol

Romeena...How’s Everything At your Nature Reserve?...I miss the morning activities here. Not much going on this time of the year yet...Speaking of that, I better go out and fill the feeder for the morning rush....

G-F

February 21, 2019 - Msg 111713:
Well Asa, after a period of quiet contemplation (or contemptation, as Archie Bunker would say) let me commend you for your gentlemanly behavior in shoveling the driveway for the nurse. :)

Speaking of nursing...I still have not gotten paid for my job at Shoreline and Shoreline has been on the nightly news for two nights in a row. An employee called into one of our local corpus Christi news channels to inform of what was going on and they featured a story trying to get to the bottom of things. It ended up being a joke and really will only make matters worse. It is a lockdown facility so when the news cameras and spokesman showed up at the door, they were greeted by the very rotund, ignorant hick of an administrator who said something like, "You ain't comin' in here and you aint got no business here so git!"..(rolling my eyes). If I had been a parent with a child in the facility and saw that, I would be on my way to pick them up. It was really bad. The bad publicity might just be the nail in the coffin, so to speak. It is unfortunate because, despite all its problems, we are serving an important purpose and are the only facility licensed by the state to do what we are doing. Many of our kids are probation and if we close, they will go to juvenile detention centers where they will not get the treatment they need. Sad situation but I am hoping and praying that they do find a new, responsible owner who sees the value of what we are trying to do and is willing to invest in making it better. I work again tomorrow and my boss asked me if I could do some decorating for St. Patrick's day since the main potential buyer will be touring the facility on Monday. I told her it would be better if maintenance would come and get the filthy, black water out of the sink that is covered with the trashbag I taped over it. She said they cant afford a plumber. I told her the maintenance guys could at least clean it out! I am thinking that maybe the buyer will have pity on us when he sees it. lol I would have thrown in the towel that first year if I didn't care so much about the kids, but I really do. My heart is there and I hope so much that things change for the better.

I have been nursing at the school this week and I have to say that I am just falling in love with some of the kiddos! I didn't think I would feel that way because I am really not a kid-person. I like teens but never really relate to little ones. BUT, some of these children are so precious! I haven't had another experience like I had that first day with the disrespectful kids. I think because I took immediate action, I surprised them and they are good as gold now when they come into the office. I have a couple of kids that come in every day for something. I think TLC. One is from a broken home and the other is a sweet, chubby little boy with beautiful brown eyes who finds ways to come in to spend time with me. I found out the first day that his mother, who happened to be a school nurse there at the school, died of cancer a year ago. I think it comforts him to come into the office and just talk for a little while and I adore him already, so I love it when he comes in. He is very polite and sweet. Anyway, I guess what I am saying is that, while I don't love the duties because it is not fast-paced enough for my liking, I love the kids. I think that is good enough for now. If I am hired on full time, I know I will have additional duties to keep me busy.

Thanks for listening to me. We have had some major issues with my children but things are getting somewhat better. Sean is having a terrible time on the job because his partner on the job quit and he is trying to do the job of 2 right now. He is applying for a job closer to home doing auto inspections because he spends over 200 dollars in gas to go to and from work right now. He is working full time and makes enough to make his car payment, phone payment, and insur@nce but that is about it. I am praying he gets this job. He would be working for a nice guy named Keith who knows Sean and likes him.

Well, better go. I have to attend a funeral this morning for one of my friend's mom. She was 86 with COPD..longtime smoker so she is fortunate to have lived as long as she did.

Have a great day and will come back when I can. I am working everyday for awhile since I am doing both jobs but honestly, this school nurse job is less work than I would do at home so I am fine.

BooFebruary 21, 2019 - Msg 111716:
Wow, Boo! That Anderson guy is a real sweetheart, isn't he? He's a real shining example for those poor kids. Sleazy, looks like he needs a shower, about as articulate as a warthog, and with all the charm and tact of a mob boss. Where on earth did the facility dig him up? My question is, was he just hired by someone who didn't know what they were doing, or is he behind the scenes, was the rehab facility his idea? If so, then someone needs to start looking for the money, because he just might have it stored away somewhere.

Another thought, about the nasty sink. If they don't have the money for a plumber, at least send someone to Home Depot, rent a shop vac, pump the stinking water out of that sink, put a tight plug in the drain, scrub out the sink and hope the inspectors don't turn the water on. I can't believe they have let that cesspool sit there and fester and expect you to work in proximity to it. If the Board of Health ever saw that....

Asa, good on you for considering Debbie's nurse and clearing a path. As you said, Mother Nature would have taken care of it, but maybe too late. You and are both such nice guys. I'm grateful for your presence on the porch, and Floyd, I'm grateful that we actually have the porch. I don't know what we'd do without it. Friendships have been forged here that have been very precious to me, and I'm sure everyone else feels the same.

Well, guess I'll go get cleaned up and ready to go to our monthly JOY dinner and fellowship. A friend offered to pick me up, but I'm going to take my car. My breathing is good enough, I can make it from the parking lot to the fellowship hall. I love these gatherings. The kids from our charter high school's culinary arts department are catering the meal, and they always do a very fine job. They're so cute, in their black chef's coats and tall white chef's hats. They always prepare a really good meal, and then serve it as well, very graciously. The entertainment will be a family of singers. I've not heard them, but have heard a lot about them, so I'm sure it will be lovely.

Blessings, all. --Romeena February 21, 2019 - Msg 111717:
Boo...I guess like Barney said... “Thank You Johnny Shafto!”...That Just ain’t Right!..G-FFebruary 21, 2019 - Msg 111718:
Hey MDC...I’m watching some Spring Training coverage on our news. First thing, our weather girl was bundled up and said it rained most of the day... One question ..There seemed to be several large aircraft backed right up to the outfield fence. What’s up with that?

G-FFebruary 21, 2019 - Msg 111719:
Hello gang !! Time to read. I’m trying to get my shop built... rain rain rain. Hey Romeena, MDC baseball just about to start ! Hey Boo,Possum, asa, Maude. Ok. Let me read and Bless all. Breakfast will be at Waffle House on possum ! I will bring a news paper. SPOT February 22, 2019 - Msg 111720:HEY GF--The Goodyear Ballpark is on the 'outskirts' of town and there is an airliner boneyard right near it. Here is a satellite view of it:
https://tinyurl.com/y5vjq5vcIn the 1960s there were hundreds of B17s and other WWII aircraft out there. My dad took us by a few times to see them. Eventually they were all chopped up and melted down.
ASA--my leg procedure is indeed outpatient. They will use a laser to
collapse the varicose veins so the blood will now return to the heart via the main good vein further inside the leg, sort of like sending cars onto the freeway from the bad sideroads.
Right leg Friday, then left leg next Friday. I will be under "conscious" sedation, aka lala land. ha Set for 12 noon.
Thanks for the prayers.
BOO--I just watched that report! I'll even go further than RO and say that guy was just a plain jerk!!! Kids in his care...
not mine, no matter what they had done. If the new owners work out I hope that guy is OUT! Wow.
ALL--on TAGS tonight it was the ep that started with andy reading Barn's letter. I got to thinking, for the early 1960s that was a pretty brave move to talk about peek-a-boo blouses, meaning Barn
was looking at..well, some female 'thoraxes!' ha
It is RAINING here all day, and LOTS of snow above 3000 feet.
This is really a big storm.
Frankie, I put down some ammonium phosphate yesterday on my dormant St. Augustine. Should start springing forth real soon.
SPOT--lots of 'weather' for sure! I hope possum's rock is not flooded out! Thanks for the breakfast!
Prayers for all,
MDC

Prayers for you this morning MDC as you prepare to go to "la la land". Let us know if you see any pink elephants. :)

Boo, That director was a real piece of work for sure. Although I fear I would deal with the media likewise. lol (I am not a fan of the media) Maybe he should take some lessons from Bill Belichick on media relations. (We're on to Cincinnati, repeatedly) lol. That guy can handle the media so well. I sure hope you can get your pay. And I sure have to agree with Romeena, It is hard to imagine some effort could be done to resolve the sink issue. That is simply neglect and indifference by the owner or manager, or both.

GF mentioned his weather girl bundled up, and MDC mentioned B-17's and other WW-11 aircraft being chopped up and melted down. I'm not sure which of those two comments saddens me the most.

Spot, I love to build things. I wish I lived close by. I'd be glad to come help out. And it is so much more enjoyable to do it just for enjoyments sake and not for a living. Something very satisfying about it for me at least.

Romeena, It is so very good to see you posting. I am glad you are feeling a bit better. You are starting to sound more like your self. Calling that feller a "warthog" HA! You make me smile. :)

Well off to the store to do my weekly shopping. I don't have any pretty weather girls like MDC and GF have to admire, but there is a female butcher at the store here that is easy on the eyes. I just don't know if I can fit anymore meat in my freezer though. I wonder what causes that? lol

Asa February 22, 2019 - Msg 111722:
Asa...So you are saying she give you steaks when you ask for hamburger?....I joke around with my butcher too, they refere to me as the “Chuck Eye” guy... I like to get them when I grill out.
The Butcher calls it the “Poor Man’s Ribeye” 🥩 Call them what you want, they are GOOOOD!.... It’s always BEST to be on good terms with your Butcher and train them up right. I always ask them to overwrap the butcher paper with plastic, so it happens without me asking anymore... Guess I got a meat wrapping compelsion 🤷🏼‍♂️.....

Let me know if the porch needs
a sweep ArchivesThis version of The Taylor's Front Porch
has been created to pay our respect to the original porch found on Mayberry.org.
Thanks to Frank for all the work he did for Mayberry on the web. We've tried
to make this just like Frank's Porch. This is also a tribute to Ollie's
"Trivialities" site which was another homage to Frank's porch but is no longer
with us.